Scottish Churches Housing Action has launched a new handbook for using church land and property for much-needed affordable housing.
Make It Happen offers a step-by-step guide to those responsible for church land and buildings, and urges them to secure opportunities for affordable housing from redundant or under-used church assets.
The handbook's author, Catherine Killin, says, "The guide was written specifically for people in churches to help them actively consider this option and is already proving useful."
The book provides information and practical examples as it explains why it believes re-using church property for housing should happen and offers advice for churches considering this option.
The launch was followed by a special event for the leaders of Scotland's church denominations, highlighting the opportunities for the churches to put their surplus of property to essential community use.
The issue of affordable housing was raised at the 2005 Church of Scotland General Assembly, which called for "the availability of suitable housing of a satisfactory standard".
Now the Moderator of the General Assembly, the Rt Rev Alan McDonald, is lending his support to the SCHA initiative.
"It may not have much to commend it as a soundbite, but 'suitable housing of a satisfactory standard' encapsulates so much that is central to the health and well-being of the society we seek to serve and uphold," he said.
"As the Scottish churches seek ways to take forward this essential piece of work, I am grateful to Scottish Churches Housing Action for doing so much to encourage and equip us."
